Mosquitoes are part of the food chain. Let’s help them complete the circle of life.

Thankfully, there are a few there are a few animals that eat mosquitoes. These include birds, bats, fish, insects, and spiders.

Birds will eat a variety of other yard insect pests, including mosquitoes. The most famous of these is the Purple Martin. Unfortunately, their impact is minimal. In writing for the America Mosquito Control Association (AMCA), Ornithologist James Hill writes, “The number of mosquitoes that martins eat is extremely insignificant, and they certainly don’t control them. In-depth studies have shown that mosquitoes comprise no more than 0 to 3 percent of the diet of martins.”

Bats are known for feasting on insects, including mosquitoes. Some people even build bat houses to attract them. While bats will eat mosquitoes, they often seek a more substantial meal like a moth. One of Mosquito Me Not’s advisors with the CDC also points out that bats are a common carrier of rabies. Click here for plans to build your own bat house.

Fish will often eat mosquito eggs and larvae. This is why some mosquitoes prefer to lay their eggs in more artificial containers. Koi fish will often eat mosquito eggs if they find them. The Gamusia affinis is actually well known for its preference for eat mosquito eggs and larvae. However, it is quite aggressive to other fish. Thus, its use is limited.

Some insects are predators and hunt mosquitoes. Three often mentioned are the preying mantis, damselflies, and dragon flies. While certainly a beneficial insect to have, they can be hard to attract and keep. They also may be resting while the mosquitoes are active. Mosquito larvae are fed on by dragon fly larvae and even some types of other mosquito larvae.

Most spiders are strategic opportunist when it comes to locating their webs. That said they will eat mosquitoes when they are caught, but they don’t target mosquitoes.

Frogs, Toads, and their tadpoles will eat their share of mosquitoes, but not enough to have a notable impact on the total mosquito population.